Master of Public Health

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Why Choose Public Health? 

Have you ever considered a career that combines science, health care, and working with the public? A career that would allow you the opportunity to have an impact in your own community or on a global level? If so, a career in public health might be right for you. 

Our faculty have a wide range of public health expertise. Our small program size, with an average cohort size of 30 students, and our hybrid format, allow students to be fully engaged and mentored by our faculty.

Earn your M.P.H. During Your Gap Year

If you plan to take a gap year before applying to medical school, make that year count by earning a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) at Wright State in just 3 semesters. Strategically position yourself for medical school by learning in-demand skills and engaging with local public health leaders at the only accredited public health program in the Dayton area.

Master of Public Health Program at a Glance

 

In-Demand 
Skills

Specializations in epidemiology, public health leadership, health promotion, and integration with medicine. 

 

Engage with Local 
Public Health Leaders

Partnerships with public health departments across Southwest Ohio.

 

Convenient 
Classes

Evening courses with online, hybrid, and in-person options. 

 

Advance Your 
Career Right Here

The only accredited public health program
in the Dayton area.

Why Wright State University?

Our Graduates

photo of students in a classroom

Our graduates are a great resource for our program. Joining the Wright State community prepares you to impact not only the populations in your area but also the next generation of public health professionals. Our alumni understand the importance of investing in the upcoming public health professionals. Often times, our alumni will present in classes, serve as site supervisors for internships, and are leaders in Southwest Ohio and beyond. 

Hear what our alumni have to say about us.

Our Faculty

Our diverse faculty provides expertise in a number of public health fields. Faculty is dedicated to passing on their knowledge, from years of hands-on public health experience. Our faculty will walk alongside you as you take the next steps toward your public health career. 

Learn more about our amazing faculty and their areas of expertise.

Our Students

Our students include mid-career professionals, public health workforce, physicians, medical students, and students just completing their undergraduate degree. This variety in the student backgrounds brings different perspectives to the classroom and adds to the learning process. Students have the opportunity to begin working and networking with their future colleagues. 

Learn more about how to apply to the Wright State M.P.H. program.

Careers

Careers in public health include epidemiologists, health educators, emergency response coordinators, researchers, and more. Our program has prepared students to currently work in each of these areas! Great employer relationships begin with networking opportunities. Our program will foster networking between students and current public health leaders. These opportunities are why many of our students are employed before graduation. 

Learn more about the workforce development opportunities provided by our program. 

Real-World Experience 

Wright State’s Applied Practice Experience allows students to utilize classroom skills in a real-world setting. The Applied Practice Experience is a supervised applied public health learning experience, allowing students to work within a community organization to support public health efforts. 
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Academics and Curriculum

The M.P.H. program offers two concentration areas of study: Health Promotion and Education and Population Health.

Health Promotion and Education Concentration

The Health Promotion and Education concentration offers a program of study that emphasizes the social and behavioral science of public health interventions. This concentration is applicable to individuals working in local public health, healthcare, insurance, non-profits, and worksite wellness.

Population Health Concentration

The Population Health concentration offers a flexible program of study allowing students to explore a variety of public topic areas, including global health, emergency management, leadership, advanced analytical methods, or working as public health practitioners. 

View Master of Public Health program information and requirements in the Academic Catalog.

Starting for Spring 2025, SOPHAS Application is not required for the MPH Application 

Related Certificates

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences currently offers five certificate programs through the Wright State University Graduate School. The completion of a certificate is noted on your transcript and it is a great way to show future employers you have acquired skills in a specialized area. Courses completed as part of a certificate offered by the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences can be applied toward the Master of Public Health degree.

  • Emergency Public Health - The Emergency Public Health Certificate Program will provide students with an understanding of emergency management systems and teaches critical thinking skills applicable to public health, hospital, pre-hospital and emergency management systems.
  • Epidemiology - The Epidemiology Certificate Program will provide graduate students with specialized knowledge and skills in applying epidemiologic concepts and methods to prevention and public health problems.
  • Health Care Management - The Health Care Management Certificate Program offers a curriculum designed to develop strategic management and leadership skills applicable to the health care industry.
  • Public Health Leadership - This program focuses on the skills and administrative principles needed to successfully manage in public health settings. Students achieve advanced competencies in strategy, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. In addition, students select professional areas of study such as communications, finance, marketing or budgeting. 

Admission

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • GPA of 2.7 or higher

Apply to the M.P.H. Program

Frequently Asked Questions and Resources

  • Why chose the Wright State M.P.H. program?

    The Wright State M.P.H. program is a graduate program within the Boonshoft School of Medicine. It is the only accredited M.P.H. program in Raider Country, the 16 contiguous counties surrounding our Dayton and Lake campuses. The program offers a cohort model for our students and is integrated with local public health in our community. Students get involved in the community in a variety of ways, and public health professionals are frequently a part of the classroom. We have many research opportunities through local partners, the Boonshoft School of Medicine, and researchers in our department.

  • Is it possible to speak with faculty and alumni that share my interests?

    We welcome the opportunity for applicants and students to speak with faculty and alumni. Contact the M.P.H. program coordinator to schedule arrangements.

  • Is the GRE required?

    The GRE is optional. Official test scores can be submitted to Wright State SOPHAS 2467.

  • How accessible are faculty to the students?

    The program is just the right size for students to engage with their faculty one-on-one. Alumni often comment that faculty accessibility and availability are one of the strengths of the program. Students appreciate the mentoring they receive and often stay connected to the faculty and program after graduation.

  • How is the current job market for graduates of the program?

    Fabulous! The program plays a central role in creating the public health workforce for southwest Ohio. We leverage our extensive partnerships to understand the workforce needs and place students in professional public health settings. In addition, many graduates also receive promotions and advancement after completing their M.P.H. degree. On average, 85% of our graduates are employed after graduation. 

    Nationally public health professions are expected to grow 27% between 2022-2032, much faster than average occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). There has never been a better time to earn a degree in public health. 

  • What do alumni do after graduating from the program?

    Our graduates are promoted within their current employment, have entered their first job, or have gone on to further training (medical or doctoral programs). Our alumni positions include health commissioners, epidemiologists, emergency preparedness coordinators, public health nurses, health educators, program managers, grant managers, researchers, and more.

  • How are students advised in the program?

    Students receive individualized guidance from faculty in their specified area of interest. Our faculty and M.P.H. program coordinator work with each student to tailor their program experience to meet their specific interests. We also have a dedicated staff member to assist students in finding and completing internships and other field placements. 

  • When do students select a concentration to complete?

    Students will speak with the M.P.H. program coordinator in their second semester to map a program of study based on their professional interests.

  • Can you attend the program part time?

    Yes! Students can attend either part time (3 credit hours) or full time (6+ credit hours).

  • Is it possible to work while in the program?

    YES - many students do! The Wright State M.P.H. program is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Through evening, online, and hybrid courses, our students have been able to work full-time while enrolled in the program. Students can switch between full-time (6+ credit hours) and part-time (3 credit hours) enrollment should a reduced schedule be desired. Our staff assists students to successfully navigate through the program at their own pace.

  • How long does it take to complete the program?

    Most students, attending full time, will complete the program in 2 years (5 to 6 semesters). It is possible to complete the program in as little as one year; speak with the M.P.H. program coordinator for more information.

  • Can the program be completed fully online?

    No. The Wright State M.P.H. program is not an online program; however, we do have many online, hybrid, and flexible delivery course options. 

  • Are there any assistantships or funding available to students?

    The Wright State M.P.H. program has the following funding opportunities:

    • The Boonshoft Public Health Workforce Scholarship provides scholarships equal to 50% of the in-state graduate tuition and program fees to those employed one year or more in a public health organization.
    • Graduate Tuition Scholarships may be awarded to strong incoming candidates interested in a career in public health. 
    • A Graduate Assistant (GA) position is available to second-year M.P.H. students. Notices are sent out when additional opportunities are available.  

    Additional Wright State resources:

Additional Resources

Request more information about our M.P.H. program

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